Ventilation device and frame system

ABSTRACT

A ventilation device comprises a body ( 11 ) having first and second ports ( 14, 15 ) and a ventilation passage ( 13 ) that extends through the body between the ports to allow airflow through the body. The ventilation device also comprises a noise attenuation device ( 21 ) arranged to attenuate noise transmission through the passage in at least one direction from the first to the second port. The noise attenuation device comprises at least one array ( 22, 23 ) of noise attenuation tubes disposed in the ventilation body. In one form, the noise attenuation device ( 21 ) include two arrays of attenuator tubes disposed on respective opposite sides of the passage ( 13 ). The tubes each have a mouth ( 27 ) that opens to the passage and a central axis that extends from the mouth in the direction of elongation of that tube. At least some of the tubes in the first array ( 20 ) oppose at least some of the tubes in the second array ( 23 ) with the central axes of the opposing tubes at the region of their mouths ( 27 ) being mutually inclined. In addition, at least one of the arrays include an acoustic transmissive partition ( 30 ) associated with at least some of the attenuator tubes. The partition ( 30 ) separates at least a portion of the cavities ( 28 ) of those tubes ( 27 ) from the ventilation passage ( 13 ). A framing system ( 40 ) is also disclosed to enable a bank of ventilation devices ( 41, 101 ) to be interconnected and coupled within a frame ( 60 ), particularly a glazing frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to a ventilation device that isused to ventilate a building or other enclosed structure and that isable to attenuate noise transmission through the device. In a furtheraspect, the invention relates to a frame system, and associatedcomponents, that facilitate installation of one or more ventilationdevices in a structure.

The invention is described below in the context of being used in abuilding. However, it is to be appreciated that it is not limited tothat use. For example, the invention may be used in other industrialapplications such as in machine housings, air conditioning systems andthe like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Walls of buildings are often ventilated by vents that allow exchange ofexternal and internal air. A disadvantage of such conventional vents isthat the external noise is transmitted through the exterior to theinterior via the vents. To address this problem, a ventilation devicehas been proposed that attenuates the noise transmission by the use ofan array of quarter wave resonators which are disposed adjacent anaperture or ventilation opening. Such a device is the subject ofinternational application WO 00/29684. The ventilation device disclosedin this application incorporate an array of quarter wave attenuatortubes that are tuned to a resonant frequency. The device functions bydispersing or scattering soundwaves rather than by absorbing them. Toextend the acoustic wavelength spectrum that is attenuated, the arraycomprises tubes of different widths and length.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to improvements in aventilation device that incorporates a noise attenuation device thatuses attenuator tubes of the type generally as disclosed in the abovementioned application.

Accordingly, a ventilation device is disclosed comprising a body havingfirst and second ports, a ventilation passage extending through the bodybetween the ports to allow airflow through the body, a noise attenuationdevice arranged to attenuate noise transmission through the passage inat least one direction from the first to the second port, the noiseattenuation device comprising first and second arrays of attenuatortubes disposed on respective opposite sides of the passage, the tubeseach having a mouth that opens to the passage and a central axisextending from the mouth in the direction of the elongation of thattube, wherein at least some of the tubes in the first array opposes atleast some of the tubes in the second array with the central axes of theopposing tubes at the region of their mouths being mutually inclined.

The attenuator tubes act as quarter wave resonators which by virtue oftheir size and shape are able to scatter the soundwaves in the passageso as to attenuate the noise in the ventilation passage. In the past,when arrays of attenuator tubes have been used on opposing sides of aventilation passage (for example as disclosed in internationalapplication WO 00/29684), the opposing tubes have been arranged so thattheir central axes are parallel or coaxial.

Surprisingly, the inventor has observed that the efficiency in noisereduction is not significantly affected if the opposing tubes aremutually inclined (i.e. disposed relative to one another such that thecentral axes at the tube mouths are not coaxial or parallel but at anangle of greater or smaller than 18.0°). In contrast, the inventor hasfound that it may be possible to further enhance the performance of thedevice in attenuating noise travelling through the passage by such anarrangement. Furthermore, by angling the opposing tubes, it is possibleto better utilise the volume space of the ventilation device body.

In a particular form, at least some of the tubes in both the first andsecond arrays open to the passage so that the central axes at theirmouths are angled towards the first port. The inventor has found thatsuch an arrangement enhances the operation of the device. Specifically,as soundwaves move along the passage they need to pass into theattenuator tubes for noise to be attenuated. By facing the tubes towardsthe first port (i.e. towards the noise source), the tubes are betterpresented to the oncoming soundwaves to receive those soundwaves.Moreover soundwaves that are not cancelled within the tube are reflectedback into the passage in the direction of the noise source which it isconsidered further enhances the effectiveness of the attenuation deviceto reduce noise transmission through the ventilation passage.

In one form the tubes of each array may be formed in different shapesand sizes to broaden the spectrum of acoustic wavelengths across whichthe device is effective. Further the tubes may be generally linear, theymay be curved or kinked, and/or may be cylindrical or tapered or may bein any combination of the above.

In one form, each array of tubes includes tubes of different length. Inone form, the tubes are arranged so that they are in either ascending ordescending length along a section of the array.

In one form, the tubes are substantially linear so that in a particularform, the central axes of the respective tubes of an array are generallyparallel. In an alternative arrangement, where the tubes are generallylinear, at least some of the axes of the tubes are inclined to the axesof other tubes within the same array.

In one particular embodiment, the opposing tubes of the first and secondarrays are disposed substantially at right angles to one another.

In a particular embodiment, the body includes a housing in which thefirst and second arrays are disposed. In a particular embodiment, thehousing is shaped generally as a rectangular prism having opposite frontand back surfaces, opposite top and bottom surfaces and opposite sidesurfaces. In a particular form, the ports are disposed in the front andback surfaces. In a particular embodiment, the tubes of one array aredisposed with their axes substantially perpendicular to the front andback surfaces, whereas the axes of the tubes of the second array aredisposed substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces.

In one form, the ventilation passage is straight. In another embodiment,the ventilation passage is kinked.

In a particular embodiment, the device is arranged so that theattenuator tubes are disposed on opposite sides of the ventilationpassage along at least a major part of its length. In a particularembodiment at least a major portion of the opposing attenuator tubeshave their central axes at the region of their mouths mutually inclined.

In another aspect, a ventilation device is disclosed that comprises abody having first and second ports, a ventilation passage extendingthrough the body between the ports to allow airflow through the body, anoise attenuation device arranged to attenuate noise transmissionthrough the passage in at least one direction from the first to thesecond port, wherein the noise attenuation device comprises at least onearray of attenuator tubes disposed on one of the sides of the passage,the tubes each having a mouth that opens to the ventilation passage, anda tube cavity that extends from the mouth in the direction of elongationof the tube, wherein at least some of the attenuator tubes incorporatean acoustic transmissive partition which separates at least a portion ofthose attenuator tube cavities from the ventilation passage.

Surprisingly, the inventor has found that the use of an acoustictransmissive partition in at least some of the attenuator tubes does notinhibit the noise reduction provided by the device, but may in factenhance these properties.

The partitions may take any form such as walls or coverings that arearranged so that sound may be transmitted but in one form, thesepartitions are in the form of films. The films may be formed from apolymeric material such a polyethylene and in a particular embodiment,the film has a thickness of less than 100 μm and in further form, lessthan 50 μm. The partitions may be formed from a continuous material ormay be formed of a mesh or similar grid-like structure.

In one particular embodiment, the partitions are in the form of a filmwhich is applied over the mouths of the attenuated tubes which open intothe passage. In this way, the partition forms a lining of the passage.This arrangement has particular benefit in that it can seal off theattenuator cavity thereby reducing the likelihood of contamination andfacilitating cleaning of the ventilation device.

In an alternative arrangement, each partition may be positioned withinthe cavity of a respective attenuator tube. For example, the partitionsmay be inserted into the tubes or alternatively, the arrays may beformed in multiple parts and the partitions may be applied between thoseparts as a continuous sheet.

The partitions may be integrally formed with the attenuator tubes, butin a particular embodiment are adhered or welded to respectiveattenuator tubes. The partitions may be adhered or welded to everyattenuator tube or may be adhered or welded to distinct portions of thetube array and span across the mouths of attenuator tubes positionedbetween those distinct portions.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a noise attenuation arraythat incorporates an acoustic transmissive partition.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a system to facilitateinstallation of units, such as the ventilation devices described above,into a structure. In a particular form, the invention is directed to asystem, and components used in that system, which facilitate theinstallation of a plurality of units as a bank into in a conventionalframe, such as a glazing frame. In particular, the number of units whichform the bank may be varied so as to provide a modular structure thatcan be scaled up or down in size to suit particular need.

According to this aspect, there is disclosed a modular structurecomprising one or more modules, and coupling elements that project fromthe modules and which are arranged to locate within a complementaryframe disposed in a supporting structure so as to connect the modularstructure to the supporting structure.

The modules may take any form, for example they may be glass blocks orair-conditioning units but preferably are ventilation devices. Eachventilation device may comprise a housing and an array of attenuatortubes arranged to attenuate noise transmission through the ventilationdevice. As such, the ventilation device may be in any form describedabove, but it is to be appreciated that it is not limited to thoseforms.

In one form, the modular structure is arranged to be installed in awindow opening with the complementary frame being a conventional glazingframe that is arranged to receive a pane of glass. Such glazing framesare typically, but not exclusively formed from a metal extrusion, andinclude a channel operative to capture edges of the glass pane. In aparticular form, the coupling elements are designed to locate in thischannel to thereby allow the modular structure to be installed in thesame, or similar way as a pane of glass.

In one form, the modules include coupling elements on their outersurface to allow the modules to be connected together. These modulecoupling elements may interconnect by any suitable technique such asthrough a snap fit, or by sliding or rotational movement, or by the useof mechanical fasteners, or by some combination of the above.

In one form, the module coupling elements are also designed tointer-engage with the coupling elements used to mount the structure to asupporting structure.

In one form, the mounting coupling elements are installed individuallyonto selected ones of the modules, such as through the module couplingelements. In another form, the modular structure further comprises aframe and the mounting coupling elements are disposed on that frame.

In one form, the frame is arranged to inter-engage with the modulecoupling elements to provide a least part of the connection of the frameto the bank of interconnected modules.

In one form, the frame is formed from a frame element that has aconstant cross-section. In this way, the frame can be made merely bycutting frame elements to size and interconnecting those frame elementsabout the bank of modules.

In a particular embodiment, the frame element has a body portion whichlocates against the modules and a blade portion that projects from theframe element body. This blade element forms a coupling element of themodular structure and locates in the complementary frame of thesupporting structure.

In a particular embodiment, the frame also incorporates lifting lugswhich are designed to receive a suitable lifting device to simplify thelifting of the modular structure so as to facilitate installation of thestructure in the complementary frame. In one form these lifting lugs aredisposed on the blade element.

In a particular form, these lifting lugs may be concealed by a coverstrip that extends over at least part of the frame to improve theappearance of the structure.

In a particular embodiment, the modular structure also comprisesreinforcing elements to strengthen the structure, particularly againstwind loading. In one form, upright reinforcing is installed betweenadjacent modules in the bank. In a particular form, where the structureincorporates a frame, these upright reinforcing members extend betweentop and bottom frame elements. Similarly the modular structure mayinclude cross reinforcing elements that extend between side frameelements.

In the form where the modular structure incorporates a frame, that framemay provide some structural strength to the modular structure. In oneform, the frame element includes a cavity operative to receive areinforcing element to further increase the strength of the structure.In one form, this cavity faces inwards so that in use, it opens onto themodules.

In yet a further aspect, the invention is directed to a frame elementfor use in the modular structure.

In yet a further aspect, there is provided a modular structurecomprising:

a plurality of modules that in use form an array of modules, each modulecomprising a first part and a second part, the first and the secondparts having coupling means and respective first and second parts beinginter connectable to each other and to respective first and second partsof the or each adjacent module by the coupling means,

a frame operative to be secured to a support structure and comprising atleast one member locatable between the or each adjacent module

wherein on interconnecting respective first and second parts of eachmodule together and on inter-connecting respective first and secondparts of adjacent modules together the or each member is capturedbetween adjacent modules.

As the or each member is captured between adjacent modules, an array ofsecurely inter-connected modules may be formed.

The modular structure according to this form preferably is arranged tobe assembled sequentially in the same sequence as the parts of themodules are assembled. For example, the frame and the modules may beassembled row-by-row or column by column.

Yet a further invention provides a method of forming an array ofinter-connectable modules mountable to a building structure, each modulecomprising a first part and a second part, respective first and secondparts being inter-connectable to each other and to respective first andsecond parts of the or each adjacent module, the array of modulesfurther comprising a frame being operative to be secured to the buildingstructure, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   positioning a plurality of first parts of the modules to form an        array of the first parts    -   interconnecting adjacent first parts,    -   positioning at least one member between the first parts,    -   positioning a plurality of second parts of the modules over        respective first parts and    -   interconnecting respective first and second parts of the        modules,

wherein on interconnecting respective first and second parts of eachmodule together and on inter-connecting respective first and secondparts of adjacent modules together the or each member is capturedbetween adjacent modules.

The inventions will be more fully understood from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments of the inventions. The descriptionis provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away perspective view of a , ventilationdevice according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an attenuation device of the ventilationdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of the ventilation deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bank of the ventilation devices of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an upper connection of the bank ofventilation devices of FIG. 4 in a glazing frame;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a lower connection of the bank ofventilation devices of FIG. 4 in a glazing frame;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the frame used in the bank of ventilationdevices of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate a ventilation device of FIG. 1 with amodified housing design; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a bank of the ventilation devices of FIG. 8 a and 8 busing an alternative frame system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a ventilation device 10 comprises a body 11which in the illustrated form is a housing 12 (partially cut away inFIG. 1) that is shaped generally as a rectangular prism. The bodyincorporates a ventilation passage 13 that extends between first andsecond ports (14, 15) disposed on opposite front and back faces (16, 17)of the housing. The ventilation passage is kinked so that there is noline of sight through the device 10. In the embodiment shown, thepassage has a central straight portion 18 and opposite arcuate endportions (19, 20) that terminate at the respective first and secondports (14, 15).

The ventilation device further comprises an attenuation device 21 thatis operative to attenuate noise transmitted through the passage from thefirst to the second port. The noise attenuation device comprises twoopposing arrays 22 and 23 of quarter wavelength attenuator tubes 24. Thearrays are disposed in the housing 12 on opposite sides 25, 26 of theventilation passage 13. Each attenuator tube 24 has a mouth 27 thatopens onto the ventilation passage, and a cavity 28 that extends alongthe central axis CA of that tube in the direction of elongation of thetube.

The tubes 24 are configured as quarter wave resonators that areoperative to attenuate noise at a frequency to which that tube is tuned.To extend the acoustic wavelength spectrum that is attenuated, eacharray (22, 23) has a range of different mouth dimensions and differentlengths. Each array comprises rows and columns of the tubes. In thisexample the tubes are arranged so that their dimensions decrease in adirection along the ventilation passage from the first port 14 to thesecond port 15. Further, each attenuator tube 24 has an internal widththat decreases slightly in a direction away from the mouth and towardsthe closed end. It is preferred to have the tube walls parallel, but aslight taper is required when the arrays are formed from an injectionmoulding process to allow the moulding tool to be drawn from the formedtube.

Further in the illustrated form, the tubes are straight and the tubes ineach array are in a parallel configuration. It is to be appreciated thatthe tubes in a particular array may be mutually inclined.

As indicated above, the attenuator arrays 22, 23 are disposed onopposite sides of the ventilation passage 13 so that the respectivemouths 27 of the attenuator tubes 24 open onto the ventilation passage13. Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the arrays are arrangedso that the central axes CA of the tubes of one array 22 are mutuallyinclined to the central axes CA of the tubes of the other array 23. Inthe illustrated form, the arrays 22 and 23 are arranged so that thisangle is substantially at 90°.

As may be seen specifically from FIG. 3, this arrangement has thesignificant advantage that it enables the attenuation device to be verycompact for a given maximum length of tube. In particular, theouter-periphery of the arrays 22 and 23 effectively take up the entireshape of the rectangular prismic housing 12 as such the entire interiorvolume of the housing 12 is utilised by the arrays 22 and 23 and theventilation passage 18 that extends through the housing.

In addition, and again as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the arrangement ofthe respective arrays and the configuration of the ventilation passagewith its straight portion 18 and arcuate portions 19 and 20 is such thatat least the majority of the tubes 24 are orientated so that they facetowards the noise source which in the illustrated embodiment is the port14. This arrangement is considered to improve the operation of thedevice. Specifically, as soundwaves move along the passage they need topass into the attenuator tubes for noise to be attenuated. By facing thetubes towards the first port, the tubes are better presented to theoncoming soundwaves to receive those soundwaves. Moreover, soundwavesthat are not cancelled within the tube are reflected back into thepassage in the direction of the noise source which is considered furtherenhances the effectiveness of the attenuation device to reduce noisetransmission through the ventilation passage.

In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, a film 30 is applied overthe arrays 22 and 23 so as to cover the mouths 27 of the respectivetubes 24 and form a lining on the opposite sides 25, 26 of theventilation passage 13. The film forms an acoustic transmissivepartition which separates the individual cavities 28 of the tubes to theventilation passage 13 thereby concealing the interior of each of theattenuated tubes 24, but still allows the tubes to function to attenuatenoise.

By incorporating the film 30 over the arrays, there is a reducedlikelihood of contamination within the interior of the attenuated tubesand also cleaning of the ventilation passage is significantly improved.Also the inventor has found that the film can improve the effectivenessof the noise attenuation device 21.

In the embodiment, the film 30 is composed of a polymeric material suchas polyethylene and has a thickness of less than 100 μm and morepreferably less than 50 cm. Each film is adhered to a respective mouth27 so as to fully seal each cavity.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bank 41 of the ventilation devices which areconnected together and are incorporated in a frame 40 which extendsabout the periphery of the interconnected bank of the ventilationdevices 10. The frame extends around a mid region of the devices 10intermediate the front and back faces 16 and 17 of the individualventilation devices.

The frame 40 is made up from interconnected frame elements 42 which aretypically formed as an extruded section having a constant cross sectionas best illustrated in FIG. 7. The frame elements are cut to size andare assembled together into the frame 40 using bevel joints at thecorners secured together by mechanical fasteners.

Turning to the frame element 42 as illustrated in FIG. 7, the elementincludes a body portion 43 having an inner surface 44 which locatesagainst the housing 11 of the ventilation devices 10 and a couplingportion or blade 45 which projects outwardly from an outer surface 46 ofthe body portion 43.

The body portion 43 of the frame element 42 includes inwardly directedlegs 47 which project from the inner side 44 of the body portion, andfixing screw slots 48 which are also disposed on the inner surface 44.The screw slots 48 are adapted to receive mechanical fasteners to enablethe cut elements to be interconnected.

The blade portion 45 is dimensioned to be equivalent to a standardthickness of a glass panel and as will be discussed in more detailbelow, is designed to locate within a standard glazing frame profile 60(see FIGS. 5 and 6). In this regard, the blade includes a planar surface49 which extends the entire length of the blade 45. The blade 45terminates in a head region 50 which incorporates an opposite planarsurface 51 with the distance between the surfaces 49 and 51 at the headregion 50 being dimensioned so as to locate within the channel 61 of theglazing frame 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

The blade 45 also includes a lifting lug 52 disposed midway along itslength and facing away from the surface 49. The lifting lug 52 isdimensioned so that its outer end is within the envelope defined by thesurface 51. The lifting lug 52 includes opposite tapered surfaces 53 and54 and is designed to provide an anchor point for a lifting device (notshown) to allow lifting of the bank 41 of ventilation devices so as tofacilitate installation of those devices into the glazing frame. A coverstrip 55 is able to snap over the lifting lug. The cover 55 is alignedwith the surface 51 at the head region 50 of the blade so as to providea planar surface on that side of the blade 45.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the individual ventilation devicesare arranged to be coupled together by coupling elements 56 which aredisposed on the housing 11 of the individual units. These couplingelements 56 include a tang 57 and slot 58 arrangement wherein the tangof one coupling element 56 locates in a snap fit arrangement in the slotof an adjacent ventilation device so as to interconnect the ventilationdevices in a snap fit arrangement. Typically the coupling elements 56are disposed both on the upper and lower surface of the housing 11 ofthe ventilation device as well as on the opposite side surfaces.

In addition to enabling interconnection of the individual ventilationdevices, the coupling elements 56 also locate the frame element 42 inposition on those surfaces of the bank 41 of the ventilation devicesthat are exposed. As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the innersurface 44 of the frame 40 is designed to locate over the couplingelement 56. In the embodiment shown, the frame element 41 does notengage with either the tang 57 or slots 58 of the coupling element 56.Rather the coupling element includes two short legs 59 which projectdownwardly and which are arranged to engage with an inner surface of thefixing slots 48 so as to provide an interference fit between the frameelement 42 and the coupling element 56 to resist relative lateralmovement of those components. The legs 47 on the body portion 43 of theframe element 42 is design to butt against the housing 11 so as toprovide an abutment surface which enables a silicone seal 70 to beapplied between the housing 11 and the frame 40 on end region of theframe 40.

In addition, the frame element 41 and the coupling elements 56 areshaped so that when the frame element is connected to a coupling elementor two coupling elements are connected together, a channel 73 is formedwhich can accommodate reinforcing elements (not shown) to strengthen themodular structure. These channels extend both horizontally andvertically and can therefore accommodate both horizontal and verticalreinforcing.

The glazing frame 60 includes channel 61 which is operative to receivethe blade 45. In the illustrated form, the glazing frame 60 includesdual channels so as to form a transom. A removable glazing bead 62 isprovided to facilitate location of the blade 45 into the glazing channel61.

In use, the bank 41 of ventilation devices is typically manufacturedoffsite and is delivered as a single unit onsite. The bank 41 is liftedinto place using a lifting device which attaches to the lifting lugs 52on the frame, most typically on the vertical edges of the frame 40.Initially the bead 62 of the glazing frame 60 is removed on at least oneof the sides (normally lower sire) of the glazing frame. The bank isthen maneuvered into place by locating the top edge into the respectiveglazing frame channel (see FIG. 5). The side edges are then installed inthe side frames. A block 71 is located within the glazing frame 61 onthe lower side (as shown in FIG. 6) and the bank is then dropped inposition to rest on the block 71.

Once the bank 41 of ventilation panels is installed with the blades inthe respective channels of the glazing frame 60, the glazing bead 62 isfitted back in place as is the cover strip 55 of the frame element 42.Glazing seals 72 are then fitting between the glazing frame 60 and theblade 45 to provide a watertight seal along that joint.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 9 illustrate a further embodiment of the ventilationdevice 10. The main variation in the device as illustrated in FIGS. 8 a,8 b and 9 over the earlier embodiments is directed to the technique bywhich those devices are interconnected as a bank and installed in aglazing frame. Accordingly, this embodiment shares many features of theearlier embodiment and like features have been given reference numerals.

As shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, each ventilation device 100 comprises abody which, in this embodiment, comprises a housing 101 that has twoparts 102 and 103 which are connectable by a snap-fit arrangement. Thefirst part 102 also has a face plate (not shown) that can be removed toaccess the interior of the ventilation devices. The housing 101 encasesthe two arrays 22 and 23 of quarter wavelength attenuator tubes 24 as inthe earlier embodiment. The device 100 includes coupling elements 104 inthe form of brackets disposed on the outer surface of each part 102 and103 of the housing 101. The brackets 104 allow interconnection ofadjacent ventilation devices and also allows the location of a frame 105as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a bank 110 of the ventilation devices 100 asshown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b is provided. The ventilation devices 100 areinterconnected together by virtue of the brackets 104. In addition aframe 105 is disposed around the interconnected devices 100. Unlike theearlier embodiment where the frame 40 was made from an extruded frameelement 42, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the frame 105 comprisesplates 106 which form the upright members of the frame 105 and rods 107that interconnect those plates 105. In addition to extending solelyaround the periphery of the interconnected bank of ventilation devices100, intermediate plates 108 extend between adjacent ventilationdevices.

Both the plates 106 and the rods 107 include coupling elements 111 whichare designed to be received within the channel 61 of a glazing frame 60so as to enable the bank 110 to be secured to that glazing frame.

As discussed above, each of the housing parts 102 and 103 comprise fourbrackets 104. Each bracket 104 has an L-shaped cross-section having afirst portion 112 attached to a housing side of each ventilation device,and a second portion 113 that forms a right angle with the first portionand is parallel with the respective side. The brackets 104 are arrangedso that on interconnecting adjacent devices, the brackets 104interconnect and also contact with the frame plates 106 so that theventilation devices are located in a predetermined position and theplates 107 are captured by the brackets 104.

In general, the bank 110 of the ventilation devices 100 is assembled asfollows. An array of first parts of the modules (typically in firsthousing parts 102) are arranged to form an array of parts. The firstparts are interconnected by the brackets 104. The frame plates 107 andintermediate plates 108 are positioned between adjacent first parts 102and the respective second parts 103 are interconnected with the firstparts so that these frame members are captured by the modules, in thisway the frame is within the bank 110 of devices.

Once assembled, the bank 110 can be fitted to the glazing frame in asimilar manner to that described above with reference to the earlierembodiment.

The components used in the ventilation devices can be made from anysuitable material but in a preferred form are made from a plastictypically by an injection moulding process. The frame elements aretypically metal with the frame element 42 typically formed by anextruded process and made from aluminium.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previouslydescribed without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

1. A ventilation device comprising a body having first and second ports,a ventilation passage extending through the body between the ports toallow airflow through the body, a noise attenuation device arranged toattenuate noise transmission through the passage in at least onedirection from the first to the second port, the noise attenuationdevice comprising first and second arrays of attenuator tubes disposedon respective opposite sides of the passage, the tubes each having amouth that opens to the passage and a central axis extending from themouth in the direction of the elongation of that tube, wherein at leastsome of the tubes in the first array opposes at least some of the tubesin the second array with the central axes of the opposing tubes at theregion of their mouths being mutually inclined.
 2. A ventilation deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at least some of the tubes in both thefirst and second arrays open to the passage so that the central axes attheir mouths are angled towards the first port.
 3. A ventilation deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the tubes are substantially linear and thecentral axes of the respective tubes of an array are generally parallel.4. A ventilation device according to claim 3, wherein the opposing tubesof the first and second arrays are disposed substantially at rightangles to one another.
 5. A ventilation device according to claim 4,wherein the body includes a housing in which the first and second arraysare disposed, the housing being shaped generally as a rectangular prismhaving both opposite and front back surfaces, opposite top and bottomsurfaces and opposite side surfaces, and wherein the ports are disposedin the front and back surfaces and the tubes of one array are disposedgenerally with their axes substantially perpendicular to the front andback surfaces, whereas the axes of the tubes of the second array aredisposed substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. 6.A ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein at least some of theattenuated tubes of at least one of the arrays incorporate an acoustictransmissive partition which separates at least a portion of thoseattenuator tubes from the ventilation passage.
 7. A ventilation deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein the acoustic transmissive partition ismade from a polymeric material having a thickness of less than 100 μm.8. A ventilation device according to claim 6, wherein the acoustictransmissive partitions are in the form of a film.
 9. A ventilationdevice according to claim 8, wherein the film is applied over the mouthsof the attenuator tubes so as to form a lining of the ventilationpassage.
 10. A modular structure comprising one or more modules, andcoupling elements that project from the modules and which are arrangedto locate within a complementary frame disposed in a supportingstructure so as to connect said modular structure to said supportingstructure, the modules being in the form of ventilation devices eachdevice comprising a housing and incorporating a ventilation passagewhich extends through said housing.
 11. A modular structure according toclaim 10, wherein the coupling elements are arranged to locate in thechannel of a glazing frame.
 12. A modular structure according to claim11, wherein the modules include coupling elements on their outer surfaceto allow the modules to be connected together.
 13. A modular structureaccording to claim 12, wherein the module coupling elements are alsoarranged to inter-engage with the coupling elements used to mount thestructure to a supporting structure.
 14. A modular structure accordingto claim 10, wherein the modular structure incorporates a frame and themounting coupling elements are disposed on that frame.
 15. A modularstructure according to claim 14, wherein the frame is formed from one ormore frame elements having a constant cross-section.
 16. A modularstructure according to claim 15, wherein the frame element has a bodyportion which locates against the modules and a blade portion thatprojects from the frame element body, the blade element forming acoupling element of the modular structure and being operative to locatein the complementary frame of the supporting structure.
 17. A modularstructure according to claim 15, wherein the frame also incorporateslifting lugs operative to receive a suitable lifting device tofacilitate installation of the structure in the complementary frame. 18.A modular structure according to claim 17, wherein the lifting lugs aredisposed on the coupling element.
 19. A frame element for use in framinga structure so as to allow connection of said structure to acomplementary frame of a supporting structure, the frame element havinga body portion locatable against the structure and a coupling portionthat projects from the body portion and is operative to locate in thecomplementary frame of the supporting structure.
 20. A frame elementaccording to claim 19, wherein the element is elongate and extends alonga longitudinal axis and has a constant cross section perpendicular tosaid longitudinal axis.
 21. A frame element according to claim 20,wherein the element is formed as an extruded section.
 22. A modularstructure comprising: a plurality of modules that in use form an arrayof modules, each module comprising a first part and a second part, thefirst and the second parts having coupling means and respective firstand second parts being inter-connectable to each other and to respectivefirst and second parts of the or each adjacent module by the couplingmeans, a frame operative to be secured to a support structure andcomprising at least one member locatable between the or each adjacentmodule wherein on interconnecting respective first and second parts ofeach module together and on inter-connecting respective first and secondparts of adjacent modules together the or each member is capturedbetween adjacent modules.
 23. A method of forming an array ofinter-connectable modules mountable to a building structure, each modulecomprising a first part and a second part, respective first and secondparts being inter-connectable to each other and to respective first andsecond parts of the or each adjacent module, the array of modulesfurther comprising a frame being operative to be secured to the buildingstructure, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a pluralityof first parts of the modules to form an array of the first partsinterconnecting adjacent first parts, positioning at least one memberbetween the first parts, positioning a plurality of second parts of themodules over respective first parts and interconnecting respective firstand second parts of the modules, wherein on interconnecting respectivefirst and second parts of each module together and on inter-connectingrespective first and second parts of adjacent modules together the oreach member is captured between adjacent modules.
 24. (canceled) 25.(canceled)
 26. (canceled)